CDOT and the Colorado Office of Emergency Management Encourage Motorists to Prepare for Winter

October 22, 2012 - Statewide Transportation Plan - DENVER – This week, October 21- October 27 is Colorado Winter Weather Awareness Week and the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Colorado Office of Emergency Management are offering some tips on how to get yourself and your vehicle prepared for inclement weather.

“This time of year, winter weather can strike at any time, which means we all need to get our emergency kits and vehicles ready for winter travel,” said CDOT Executive Director Don Hunt. “Early preparation will help ensure the safety of those traveling Colorado highways during inclement weather."

The first step in preparing for winter is ensuring that you have an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you are stranded. If you find yourself stranded, stay in your vehicle, turn on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives. Your emergency kit should include the following:

  • Flares/reflectors to signal for help and warn other motorists
  • Sturdy scraper/snow brush/snow shovel to clear snow
  • Battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts
  • Flashlight with extra batteries or crank-powered flashlight
  • Survival blanket or sleeping bag
  • Chemical hand warmers
  • Extra set of clothes, including coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.
  • Water for each person and pet in your car
  • Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener
  • First Aid Kit and essential medications
  • Tire chains and tow strap
  • Non-clumping kitty litter/sand for traction
  • Jumper cables
  • Extra cloth or paper towels for cleanup if necessary
  • Deck of cards or board game for entertainment

In addition to the emergency kit, be sure to check your vehicle now and before any road trip to make sure it is in safe operating condition.

  • Windshield Wiper Fluid
  • Heater/Defroster
  • Wiper Blades
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Fuel System and a Full Tank of Gas
  • Ignition
  • Exhaust System
  • Tire Tread
  • Battery Brakes

In addition to the emergency kit and vehicle preparedness, it is important for motorists to keep speeds down during inclement weather and give snow plows room to do their job.  Motorists are also encouraged to plan ahead when traveling by calling 511 or visiting www.cotrip.org for real-time road information. Winter weather awareness information and updates are also posted by the Office of Emergency Management at www.COEmergency.com or on Twitter at COEmergency using the #COwx hashtag.